I received a call from the intake coordinator at work that they just evaluated a little boy that would "be perfect" for me. A little guy with a lot going on and every service imaginable. It wasn't until a couple weeks later that I would actually get the information on the little boy to start services.
Easter Sunday came. A family came in and sat down, and at the end of the pew was a little boy in a wheelchair. I only caught a glimpse of him, but my heart jumped for joy. Just having him in our church (not knowing his name - not knowing his parents) - completely made my day. Later on I asked Preacher if they had filled out a visitor's card because I wanted to call them. He never received one for them, so I counted it a lost opportunity to meet a blessing.
That same week I met my new kiddo. His name was Jesse. I immediately recognized his mom as the visiting family in my church the week prior. I was so elated! What Divine planning and purpose God has! I remember asking God why he led me to that family, and I could just hear God say, "that boy will bless you more than you imagine."
I saw sweet Jesse twice. His family had actually moved south (from Ohio or Massachusetts, I think) to start a church in McKinney, of all places. The sweetest family. Mom was always smiling, always positive despite the setbacks sweet Jesse had.
Sweet Jessee passed away on April 25th in the morning. I got the call from my supervisor while headed down to Huntsville for a weekend getaway. I felt extreme sorrow, but tried to keep it together in front of Micah. Jesse was 22 months old.
I sent the mom an email to pour out my condolences - but what do you say? There are no words that bring comfort except to say, "I'm praying for you." That little boy brought me so much joy in the short amount of time I got to see him. She emailed me back last night to let me know that their family is moving back home up north. I emailed her the times for church service just in case she wanted to make one last visit. She came today before service started and gave me some of Jesse's equipment to donate to other families in ECI. It was a very bittersweet reunion. Little Jesse is the reason we were united to begin with - and he's still the reason we'll stay in touch.
I just can't help but wonder, why? Why did God lead that family to me - why was I lead to them - and why did they move from so far away to come start a church in McKinney? Why did they come to my church on Easter Sunday? All of these things seem so random to me. But I don't need the answers. God already gave me the purpose of meeting Jesse - and it is with no hesitation of my heart that Jesse was the biggest blessing I have worked with in ECI. I realized tonight that there is no stop to grieving the loss of a child. There is no set period of sorrow. It drags on. The tears still come. But I know that Jesse is dancing with the angels. I know he can see my Savior's face shine with eternal brightness. Jesse can see with no visual hindrances now. Jesse can smile now. Jesse can walk, indeed run. I'm looking forward to that amazing day I get to see him again.
